Abstract:Objective To investigate the expression of Notch1 in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC), while determine the relationship with clinicopathologic characteristics and prognosis. Methods Expression of Notch1 in 62 specimens of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma and 35 control tissues (15 cases of atypical hyperplasia, 10 cases of leukoplakia of vocal cord and 10 cases of polyp of vocal cord) was examined by immunohistochemical staining (Envision DAKO). The relationship between the expression of Notch1 and the clinicopathological features in LSCC was analysed. Results Overexpression of Notch1 was detected in 38 specimens (61.3%), the rate of overexpressions in LSCC was significantly higher than that in atypical hyperplasia, leukoplakia and polyp of vocal cord (P<0.01). Overexpression of Notch1 was significantly correlated with T stage, clinical stage and pathological classification (P<0.05). With univariate analysis, overexpression of Notch1 was significantly associated with a better overall survival (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in diseasefree survival (P>0.05). With multivariate analysis, recurrence, advanced stage and low expression of Notch1 were unfavorable prognostic factors. Conclusion The expression of Notch1 plays an important role in the process of tumorigenesis and development of LSCC, and has potential value in prognostic evaluation. 